Extra £2bn for nurseries will give every 3-year-old a place
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Every three-year-old in England will be entitled to a free nursery place under a £2bn programme announced by David Blunkett yesterday.
Every three-year-old in England will be entitled to a free nursery place under a £2bn programme announced by David Blunkett yesterday.
The Secretary of State for Education also pledged £8bn over three years to repair and replace dilapidated schools. And an extra £150m would helpBritain's seven million illiterate adults, he said. Mr Blunkett said a strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy would be a key aim for a second- term Labour government. "Lifelong learning is more than a slogan: we are making it a reality, starting with those who missed out first time around."
Mr Blunkett gained a standing ovation for a speech in which he reiterated his commitment to a high standard of education for all, regardless of social background or educational start in life. "What is good enough for the well-off, what is good enough for my children, I want for every child."
A typical English primary school will get £16,000 a year to maintain buildings and the average secondary will receive £50,000 by 2003-2004.
Mr Blunkett said the Government's job was to ensure "every school is a good school - that the roof doesn't leak, that the heating works, that the children are warm, that temporary classrooms are replaced, that schools are refurbished".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments